Senja Norway
Up at the very tippy top of Norway sits a little island called Senja. Actually it’s not very little judging by how long it took me to drive everywhere. But, that is due to the wiggly windy roads curving around the fjords and the endless tunnels. It is a magical place. Here just a few of my favourite spots.
Tengeneset aka Okshornan aka Devils Teeth is the most iconic location in Senja. I saw a photo of this many years ago and have wanted to photograph it ever since. It is an ideal location for photographers with parking and a wooden platform to get down to the rock. But, you must still be very careful where you step and how close you are to the sea.
Husoy is the cutest little island with colourful houses, a lighthouse and a small harbour. The best place to shoot it is as you are coming down the mountain towards it. There is a very big lot for the construction trucks that you can park in. The locals were very curious about what I was doing but just smiled and waved. The island itself is very small and not really anywhere to park to shoot from the island. The lighthouse was not accessible because of snow. I did run into a photographer that managed to access it but he is a mountaineer and a little nuts. I am not. :-) When down in the Husoy harbour you are surrounded by awe inspiring rugged peaks. Great at sunrise, didn't go for sunset but could be good shooting to the south.
Lil Red Huts - I have a little obsession with these cute little huts which are dotted all over the place. Some are bright and vibrant others are in need of a lick of paint and a few nails. But, this one was absolutely perfect and I even got to go for a little swim afterwards.
Ersfjord Beach - The only sandy beach in Senja and one of my favourite locations. There is a lot of variety to shoot and plenty of space for groups. The water, some minimal comps and if the tide and light is right you can get a reflection of Mt Hatten (the sharp peak) in the sand. Where the road bends there is fire/ambulance building - just across the road is a stream flowing into the sea that can provide a nice composition. But, you have to park down near the golden toilet and walk there (5-10min) as there is no parking near it. Toilet was locked and if there is snow there is only room for 1-2 cars by the toilet. But there is a turnout across the road that a couple cars can fit in.
More little red huts, this one taken from Ersfjord Beach
Another one from Erjsfjord Beach - I loved this location!
Bergsbotn Platform - An easily accessible wooden platform with an amazing view. Great for sunrise, sunset and aurora with beautiful reflections. Though there really is just one composition. There is parking but not much, especially if there is snow.
Bergsbotn Platform with the aurora! This evening it was raining and the kp index was so low but I decided to go out anyway. I’m so grateful I did as I could see a tiny hint of green behind the clouds which slowly moved to reveal this incredible scene!
Devils Teeth with an arching aurora
Where to stay
I stayed in Fjordgard at Segla Bed & Go because it was cute, had a nice view, was at the base of Hesten/Segla which I had planned to hike up. The owner, Camilla, was amazing and kept me well fed. It seemed central but if I was going back I would probably stay in Skaland or Senjahopen as they are more central to where I was shooting most. It means a longer drive to Husoy but I spent most of my time at Ersfjord, Tungeneset, Bovaer and Bergsbotn.
Sea Swimming
I had a lovely swim followed by a hot shower at Kråkeslottet. I had a lovely chat and cuppa afterwards with the owner Georg. https://www.xn--krkeslottet-y8a.no/english/
Other locations I was told you could possibly swim at are Bøvær (beaver beach), Ballesvika, Steinfjorden and Ersfjorden. You can also go from most piers that has a ladder.